CAQM Reviews Paddy Stubble Management in Amritsar and Tarn Taran to Curb Air Pollution
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Commission for Air Quality Management reviewed paddy stubble management in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, directing officials to ensure the maximum utilization of crop residue in thermal power plants, brick kilns, and industries.
- The commission urged district administrations to strengthen coordination among farmers, custom hiring centers, and machinery providers to prevent stubble burning, noting that Tarn Taran recorded the highest number of such incidents.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established for air quality management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the institutional role of air quality management bodies in addressing stubble burning through in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management strategies.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the recent review of paddy stubble management by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Punjab, consider the following statements: 1. The Commission directed that maximum utilization of paddy stubble should be ensured in thermal power plants, brick kilns, and other suitable industries. 2. Among the reviewed districts, Amritsar recorded the highest number of stubble burning incidents, prompting strict ground-level intervention. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because the CAQM directed officials to ensure the maximum utilization of crop residue (paddy stubble) in thermal power plants, brick kilns, and industries where it can be used as fuel. Statement 2 is incorrect because the text explicitly states that Tarn Taran district recorded the highest number of stubble burning incidents, not Amritsar.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.